Antigua's Opposition chastised for boycotting independence parade

Antigua's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has described as an act of treason the decision by opposition legislators to boycott yesterday’s independence ceremonial parade.

Antigua and Barbuda normally observes the anniversary of its independence from Britain on November 1.

This year, the occasion fell on the weekend.

Opposition Leader, Baldwin Spencer, and key members of his United Progressive Party did not attend the ceremonial parade and awards ceremony where former Prime Minister Lester Bird was knighted and named a national hero, the highest honour the country can bestow.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne chastised Spencer for the no-show, adding that there is no other celebration more important than independence.